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Werder Bremen striker Claudio Pizarro has rubbished claims that he acted as an agent, but still faces a two-year ban if he is found guilty.

The Peruvian, who is on a season-long loan at Bremen from Chelsea, is being investigated for his involvement in a 2001 deal which saw Bremen sign his compatriot Roberto Silva.

It is against FIFA rules for an active player to act as an agent, and the offence carries a ban of up to 24 months.

But the 30-year-old claims he is innocent.

"It is a load of rubbish," said the Pizarro, who spent two years at Bremen from 1999. "The whole thing does not bother me on the pitch at all.

"Peru is a great, beautiful country, but unfortunately there are people there who are angry. They don't like it when somebody is successful so they get jealous.

"This has been going on for four years."

Bremen chairman Jurgen Born is also under suspicion of profiting from the Silva deal, and has stepped down from his role at the club while the investigation takes place.

Eurosport